The Greenfather

Are you in a situation where Papa does preach about eco-friendly living? Or is your Dad a pale greenie with ample room for improvement? Giving a green, home-centric Father’s Day gift can be a bit more tricky than Mother’s Day (unless Dad’s wild about organic lavender satchels and recycled glass vases) and if you gift Dad with a gadget or tie you run the risk of giving him something that will promptly (but discreetly) be placed in the depths of his closet and never see the light of day.

 

What to do? Consider these six Father’s Day gifts that will get excellent mileage in various parts of the house — rec room, garage, garden, laundry room, or living room. 

 

Eco-friendly Cardboard Coasters @ Delight.com ($18.89/set of four) Does Dad enjoy an ice cold Duff — or Diet Coke — after a long day at work? Supply him with these recyclable coasters made from newspaper, kraft paper, old corrugated containers, and straw. They’re tough n’ masculine looking so Dad doesn’t have to suffer though the humiliation of setting his favorite beverage down on a linen doily.

 

Hand Powered Portable Washing Machine @ Clean Air Gardening ($49.99)

Have a fitness freak of a father that just happens to be allergic to doing laundry (I’m unsure if my Dad knows how to operate a washing machine)? Is he also vigilant about keeping utility bills low? This portable, hand-powered washing machine requires no electricity, little water, and works like a charm. Plus, all that hand cranking (handle should be turned once per second) should burn a few calories.